Children can get stomach ulcers too

It is often widely thought that stomach
ulcers are a problem of adults and not
children. However, increasing medical
evidence and diagnostic accuracy show
that ulcers too occur in children. Contrary
to another earlier belief that these ulcers
were caused by either living with
intensive stress or frequently eating spicy
foods, we now know that a bacteria,
found in the gut, called Helicobacter
pylori is indeed the cause of peptic ulcers.
Helicobacter pylori bacteria have been
found to cause peptic ulcers on a higher
rate in adults as compared to children.
The duodenum, the part of the gut just
below the stomach is the commonest site
for Helicobacter pylori ulceration. The
duodenal ulcers are commoner in adults,
while stomach/gastric ulcers occur more
commonly in children.
Some medical conditions can contribute
to the development of peptic ulcers in
children. For example, children with
severe burns may develop ulcers due to
the stress of their injuries. The use of
some types of medicines, especially drugs
such as aspirin or ibuprofen can make the
stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects
of acid and pepsin and may contribute to
the development of ulcers.
The signs and symptoms for childhood
ulcers are similar to those found in other
common childhood illnesses. They include
burning pain in the abdomen between
the breastbone and the belly button,
nausea, vomiting, feeding difficulties, loss
of appetite, weight loss and sometimes
blood in vomit or bowel movements.  If
the doctor suspects ulceration, he may do
tests on blood, stool and some other
radiological investigations to confirm the
diagnosis. If the ulcer is Helicobacter
pylori — related, the child’s doctor will
prescribe antibiotics with an additional
set of stomach — acid reducing
medications. These antibiotics need to be
taken as directed by the child’s doctor,
finishing the medication even if the
symptoms disappear early.  If the ulcer is
medication—related, use of the offending
drug will be discontinued, and acid-
reducing medications prescribed. Usually,
big dietary restrictions are not advised
unless certain foods cause problems for
the child, though caffeine containing foods
and beverages may be avoid
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